The Independent Brewers Association has announced a major change to the Indies Awards, with the competition evolving in 2027 to focus on recognising the people behind Australia’s independent brewing industry.

Rather than centring purely on beer judging, the new-look Indies will celebrate the brewers, venue staff, sales teams, marketers, hospitality workers and industry contributors who help keep independent beer alive across the country.

The IBA says the change comes at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges, and there’s a growing desire to bring people together and celebrate the positive contributions being made behind the scenes.

Importantly, the organisation says this doesn’t necessarily mean the beer competition is gone forever — but right now the focus is on making sure the people in the industry feel recognised, valued and celebrated.

And with the IBA also celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2027, the move is being positioned as another way to strengthen the culture and community that independent brewing in Australia has built its reputation on.